NeoStrata Enlighten Line

Neostrata Enlighten Line

I am reviewing a line of products by NeoStrata. I received these items complimentary in return for my unbiased opinion. I used all 4 products from the Enlighten line and will break down each one individually in my review. This line combats hyperpigmentation, dull and sallow skin.

Ultra Brightening Cleanser: 

This is a creamy wash that I used in the morning and at night. It exfoliates while gently cleansing the skin. I used a dime size on wet hands to create a generous lather. The scent was light and refreshing. I would say it was citrusy. My skin felt refreshed without it feeling tight. It felt soft and smooth with no greasy feeling. Next, I used the Pigment Controller.

Pigment Controller: 

This is a yellow cream with a thin consistency. I used a nickel size amount all over my face once daily for two weeks and twice daily thereafter for the remaining two weeks. It has a similar smell compared to the cleanser but not as citrusy. I applied it to my clean skin and massaged it in slowly to get great coverage and better penetration. To me, this product was the most important in fighting my hyperpigmentation because of its ingredients. Vitamin C lightens dark spots while the Retinol exfoliates the skin to remove the dark spots. I had to investigate what the NeoGlucosamine did, so I included the website's description here. “The NeoGlucosamine is a non-acid amino sugar technology that gently exfoliates the skin to encourage cell turnover, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and exfoliates hyperpigmented spots for an evener skin tone.” So to me, this is a triple threat to hyperpigmentation! This product contained a minimal amount of Retinol which will take the product a few months to provide optimal benefits. I only got to use it for about 4 weeks, so I am basically starting to see some results. I would say I have about a 15% reduction in hyperpigmentation right now. This product will make your skin feel tight because it is beginning to lift off the dead skin cells. So be prepared to feel your skin texture change due to the ingredients. Next, I used the Illuminating Serum.

Illuminating Serum:

This is a clear serum with a medium thickness. I apply it morning and night. I had the bright idea to mix the Pigment Controller with this to save time. A big NO NO! After about 15 minutes, I rubbed my face and it pilled up really bad. So, I now do each step separately with no more pilling issues. This made my skin feel soft and helped with the texture that the Pigment Controller was creating due to the peeling effect. I really didn’t notice an overpowering scent with this one. I would say little to no scent. I like having products with little to no scent because I suffer from migraines. The last step is the Skin Brightener.

Skin Brightener:

This is a moisturizer that lightens and brightens the skin but also contains a surprising ingredient. It has sunscreen! I only use it in the morning as the last step. During the summer, I plan on using it all during the day before I go out in the sun. It is in a cream form. I use a dime size and massage it in as the last step. It is so silky & soft with absolutely no scent and it is not oily. I absolutely love the way that it makes my skin feel. I can honestly say I have a hard time finding a sunscreen that I can use. My skin is so sensitive. I have only used one product in the last 10 years and I will definitely add this to my collection as well. I would love to see it in a spray form. I can mist it over my makeup during the day.

My impression of this line is very good. I love how the products feel, smell and the results that I received in a short amount of time. I will definitely restock as I run out!

For more info about this brand please click: NeoStrata

Ouai with CBD Oil

Ouai with CBD Oil

As everyone knows, CBD oil is on the climb with benefits stemming from oral solutions, candies, and now in beauty products.  You will have a choice in one scrub with CBD and one scrub without.

This new creation is called OUAI SCALP & BODY SCRUB and is both a hair and body scrub.  It contains exfoliating sugar crystals that are paired with a probiotic blend to balance out and defend against harmful bacteria.

Lastly, there's fatty acid-rich coconut oil to replenish skin's natural oils and nourish the scalp, all while conditioning and treating hair. Plus, when utilized on the skin, you get the added moisture benefit all over. And for those with more sensitive skin, there's a second, on-trend version formulated with CBD oil to naturally calm inflamed and irritated skin.

Both versions of the scrub have the delectable OUAI scent of bergamot, rose, lychee, cedarwood, and white musk.  These will be available on August 21, 2018, when both scrub options hit OUAI and Sephora.

Psst  ~ the CBD oil scrub is only available at OUAI!

Dupes for Laura Mercier Setting Powder

Dupes for Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Set, Bake, and Brush!

When the highlighting technique "baking" began sweeping the beauty community, one product was in front of it all— Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. The powder, which is the number one ranked finishing and translucent powder on Influenster, was piled on top of the concealer and allowed to sit on the face for five to ten minutes—enough time for the baking process. The results? A flawless, creaseless complexion that prolonged makeup wear. 

But with a $38 price tag, beauty junkies were quick to find some dupes of their favorite setting powder. Get ready to bake your makeup with these inexpensive finds that beauty lovers can't stop raving about!

Here are some that are great competitors to the Laura Mercier:

• e.l.f. High Definition Powder ~ $6
• Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder ~ $5.99
• Maybelline Facestudio Master Fix Setting & Perfecting Loose Powder ~ $8.99
• NYX Mineral Finishing Powder ~ $10
• Covergirl Professional Loose Powder ~ $6.50
• RCMA ~ $12

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion

If you have noticed how refreshed a stone building looks after a thorough sandblasting, you are on your way to understanding the results that may be achieved with microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion, with microcrystals, results in taking away the dead skin layer and stimulating the rest of the skin to reproduce and replace what was taken away. That creates a perfect situation for adding things to the skin that can get in deeper because the skin is now more permeable. Topical products can penetrate through the surface layer of the skin more easily.  If you are frustrated with blackheads, blemishes, scars, stretch marks, or an uneven, dull, tired looking complexion, a microdermabrasion treatment is a proven way to improve the quality and texture of your skin - you can finally have the soft, clear, healthy-looking skin you have always wanted.

What to Expect Following Microdermabrasion Treatment:

After the first microdermabrasion professional treatment, the complexion will have a pink or red glow, which typically fades after a day. Redness may last slightly longer after more aggressive dermabrasion treatments. The skin may feel as though it were sun- or windburned, but this sensation should subside fairly quickly. During microdermabrasion recovery, patients generally experience immediate improvements, but optimal results will not be visible until the patient has completed all recommended treatments. A typical course of treatment ranges from five to twelve sessions spaced a week or two apart.

Post Microdermabrasion Skin Care:

To maximize microdermabrasion recovery and results, it is important to follow all post-procedure instructions, which will include keeping the new skin clean and moisturized. It is also important to avoid sun exposure and wearing make-up immediately after a microdermabrasion treatment in order to allow the skin to heal. Although some peeling may occur in the treated areas, moisturizer should help to minimize this effect. Patients who absolutely cannot avoid sun exposure should use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Additional Treatment Sessions:

Most patients require more than one microdermabrasion treatment session to achieve the most beneficial results. Sessions are generally performed one to two weeks apart, and about five to twelve treatments are typically necessary. Some patients may need additional maintenance, or "touch-up," microdermabrasion sessions after the initial treatment cycle is complete.

Microdermabrasion Results:

Microdermabrasion results are usually immediate and noticeable. Fine lines, enlarged or clogged pores, mild acne, and complexion issues, and a host of other skin problems can be treated with microdermabrasion. In addition, most patients experience dramatic improvements in the color, tone, and texture of treated areas.  In general, microdermabrasion results in thicker, healthier, more youthful looking skin. Over the course of a full set of treatments, the body will produce new layers of skin containing higher levels of elastin and collagen. This, in turn, improves the complexion and gives the skin a more radiant, vibrant glow.

Pretty Vulgar Cream Eyeliner

Pretty Vulgar

In my May Boxycharm box, I received the Pretty Vulgar cream eyeliner. I was so excited to try it out. The first thing I noticed was the amazing packaging.  It is a heavy weighted bottle with cute lettering.  The top is a screw on lid that also has a little weight to it.  Upon opening and trying it, I noticed that it applied smooth and really pigmented and it was so much easier to apply than any other cream eyeliner I have used before. The disappointing thing to me was that it transferred badly after application.  I might give it another go and update the results when I do.  But for now, it is no.  

July's Boxycharm

I received this in my July's box from Boxycharm.  It has cream on one side and a sturdy brush on the other.  It is perfect for traveling!  The cream goes on smoothly and it is very pigmented.  I highly recommend you trying this product from this brand.

Introduction

Hi Beautiful!

I want to introduce myself to you and give you a little information about myself.  My name is Barbara Scarboro and I am the mother of 3 wonderful boys.  I am a  licensed Master Cosmetologist with over 25 years of experience and in the last 10 years, I have focused more on skincare & makeup and it has become my passion!  I started blogging because I was getting questions all the time about products and services.  So, I began to write about things I have tried or offer in my salon. 

There are so many brands now that it becomes overwhelming sometimes.  I am starting out slowly and giving information on products and services that I already know about or own and will gently introduce new things as I acquire them or after researching them.  

For more reviews or to ask me questions, follow me on Instagram!